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Bonnie Leung, Registered Interior Designer | Figure3

Meet Registered Member Bonnie Leung! For over a decade Bonnie has been working within the dynamic landscape of Toronto's interior design industry, and she recently embarked on a new educational journey to acquire a masters degree from OCAD University. 

Read about her design inspiration, her perspective on creativity, and the ways that being a student has changed her outlook on the world. 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself?    

I’ve been in the world of interior design since 2010, specializing in multi-residential and hospitality sectors. I am also an advocate for lifelong learning and currently pursuing a masters degree at OCAD for Strategic Foresight and Innovation. I am hoping to shape the future of design with forward-thinking approaches. Outside of the studio and classroom, you'll find me unleashing energy through kickboxing. 

2. Why did you choose to study and practice interior design?    

That's a complicated question. To sum it up, I would say to investigate problems and provide creative solutions to them.

3. Can you describe your style in one word?     

Warm Modern (I know that's not one word)

4. How do you approach work-life balance?    

This is a daily struggle. I just try everyday to maintain focus and try being present in whichever world I'm currently inhabiting.

5. How do you spark your creativity?    

Take a break. Whenever the flow of creativity is stuck, it means that I am too focused on the minutiae of the problem.

6. What are the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?    

Being introverted. Show people that introversion is not a bad thing.

7. What did you discover that you didn't know before? How did interior design or your projects shape you personally?    

Sometimes beauty is in the details. Walking through a completed project highlights where the details are successful and not.

8. Do you remember the first design that struck you or lingered in your mind?     

Ingo Maurer's Birdie Lights

Sometimes beauty is in the details. Walking through a completed project highlights where the details are successful and not.

Bonnie Leung, ARIDO

9. What is one thing you did for the first time recently?     

Go back to school. Being a student again changes your perspective on almost everything.

10. How would you describe your last year?   

 Exhausting, but at times rewarding.

11. How did you develop your distinctive style?     

It is something that has been shaped by interactions with people, places and values.

ARIDO Spotlight

The purpose of the ARIDO Spotlight is to spark meaningful conversations.

We think honest and real conversations are at the heart of community building. Every voice matters and that there is a place for everyone in these conversations.

We feel it’s far more touching and honest to hear from the members who make up our design community – from members at large firms to small business owners, students, newcomers and independent creatives.

Would you like to be featured? Complete this form at the link below: 

-The ARIDO Communications Committee

Don't hesitate to contact Maia Stamatov at mstamatov@arido.ca if you have questions.